We had a laid-back day after two full days of chasing leaves and having fun with Jonathan, Susie and the dogs. We all had things to check off our to-do lists before our departure tomorrow morning, so today was partly about catching our breath and partly about getting ready for the next leg of our Grand Adventure.
Janice did laundry while I vacuumed the motorhome and topped off our water supply. Jonathan and Susie both had appointments in the morning, so we each went about our respective chores before regrouping in the afternoon.
And then Jonathan took us on one more spectacular adventure.
We headed out on a beautiful loop along the Salmon River and up toward Titus Mountain, the highest peak near Malone. Once again, we were dazzled by the kaleidoscope of fall colors. Reds, oranges, yellows and greens were all mixed together across the hillsides, sometimes so brilliant that it hardly seemed real.
We stopped for a short hike along the river. It was breezy and cool, and every so often a gust of wind would sweep through the trees and send leaves swirling around us. It was beautiful, but there was something bittersweet about it, too. The wind seemed to carry a reminder that this magnificent display is fleeting. Soon the leaves will fall, winter will arrive, and these brilliant hillsides will be transformed once again.
Perhaps that is part of what makes autumn so beautiful. It doesn't last.
We returned to Jonathan and Susie's house, and everyone shifted back into work and volunteer mode for a while. Jonathan had a board meeting for a community events nonprofit that he chairs. He also hosts a monthly workshop for songwriters. The more time we spend with him, the more amazed we are by the many interests and talents he somehow manages to weave into his life.
Meanwhile, I had my weekly Zoom meeting with Melanie, our Director of Operations at Umpqua Watersheds. It was a productive meeting and gave me a chance to reconnect with some of the work continuing back home while we wander across the continent. Janice also had computer work to do related to her role with the Umpqua Watersheds Conservation Committee.
Even on a Grand Adventure, apparently the world doesn't completely let us off the hook!
Once our volunteer duties were finished, we gathered together again for dinner. Susie prepared another wonderful meal, and afterward we relaxed and watched some of the MLB playoff games together.
Eventually, Janice and I wandered back out to the motorhome and began preparing for our departure in the morning.
It has been a wonderful visit.
For 3 1/2 days, Jonathan and Susie opened their home and their lives to us. We laughed, explored, watched Tad and Sage romp together, chased the brilliant colors of a northern New York autumn, shared meals and stories, and simply enjoyed being together.
Tomorrow morning we'll say our goodbyes, point the Chariot of the Dogs north once again, cross back into Canada and begin another leg of our Fall 2026 Grand Adventure.
Tonight, though, we're still here.
And that's a pretty good place to be.
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